Knowledge Exchange

What is knowledge exchange?

‘Knowledge exchange’ means sharing our learning with others.  It involves testing, sharing and disseminating research findings. This exchange of information and learning takes place with four distinct audiences: voluntary sector practitioners, policy makers, funders and other researchers. 

We sometimes call this ‘capacity building’ or, more simply, leaving something behind after our research that allows our partners and others to continue to develop their practice.

Why is it important?

By using the learning from our research, practitioners can improve their working practice to perform in a more independent, effective and sustainable manner. For policy makers and funders, it provides insights into the realities of organisational life in the voluntary sector as seen from the front line rather than from the desk.

How do we share our knowledge?

We share our knowledge in a number of ways including academic and practitioner conference papers and presentations, articles in academic journals and publication of research reports in multiple formats. All this as well as a joint seminar series with Birkbeck and programmes of training and skills development with practitioners.